Tag Archives: car show

2024 La Jolla Concours d’Elegance

In April, the 8th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance was held high above the Pacific coastline. Beautiful weather, beautiful cars, and great camaraderie. How can you go wrong?

113 automobiles competed in thirteen classes, including sixteen specialty awards.20240420_LJC-Tour-HL_73

La Jolla Concoursd’Elegance  Showcase 1920-30s

Instead of featuring a single Marque, the 2024 La Jolla Concours featured cars from the 1920s and 1930s, including Duesenbergs, Packards, Bentleys, and others. Seeing these cars in person and up close showed what style and craftsmanship were like nearly 100 years ago. The ‘Best in Show’ was awarded to the William Lyon family’s pristine 1934 Packard Twelve.20240421_LJC-BestinShow_04

The three-day event kicked off with a welcoming party on Friday night. On Saturday, the cars could go on a cruise through San Diego, including a swing into a local Cars and Coffee event, and enjoy “Porsches on Prospect,” a display along La Jolla’s street life. Of course, Sunday was reserved for the actual show, with plenty of food, live music, and libations to enjoy, along with the expanse of sheet metal.20240421_LJC-Sunday-HL_41

Show Charities

The 18th Annual La Jolla Concours proceeds will go towards the La Jolla Historical Society, which preserves the rich history of the village of La Jolla. In addition to the La Jolla Historical Society, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance benefits several additional local community non-profit partners each year.20240421_LJC-Sunday-HL_31

Enjoy checking out some of our favorite entries to this year’s showcase.

Photos courtesy of La Jolla Concours d’Elegance

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Vicari Auction Classic Car Favorites

The Vicari Auction is held in Biloxi, Mississippi, on October 4-7, 2023, as part of Crusin’ the Coast activities. It will be a popular mainstay of activities along “America’s Longest Block Party.” Last year, over 9,600 classic cars registered for the week-long activities along State Highway 90. Besides the cruise-ins at various designated sites, the Vicari Auction is a big highlight of the week, with memorabilia selling on Wednesday and cars selling Thursday -Saturday.

Vicari Auction Favorites

With so many cars on the auction block, many without reserve, it took a lot of work to narrow my choices down. But here are my three favorite cars that should draw some interest at the Vicari Auctions.

1969 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 at Vicari Auction

Auctioning on Saturday is this beautiful 1969 Jaguar. It is an E-Type Series 2 with a listed odometer reading just north of 100,000 miles. I love the Aztec Bronze color matched with a tan interior. It is outfitted with a three-speed automatic transmission mated to a 4.1-liter in-line six-cylinder engine. It has air conditioning and power brakes. It was previously offered for sale from a dealer, so perhaps Vicari can clinch a deal?1969 Jaguar

 

1956 Chevrolet Corvette

This classic 56 Chevrolet Corvette is a sweet stunner with Tuxedo Black paint, silver coves, and a red vinyl interior. A 350 engine is now under the hood, along with a Muncie four-speed manual transmission. This black-topped convertible has a four-barrel carburetor, upgraded rack and pinion power steering, and power brakes.56 Corvette, Vicari Auction

 

1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz at Vicari Auction

So when I saw this 1967 Cadillac Eldorado, my heart skipped a beat. It’s listed as a numbers-matching power top convertible with a 365 CID engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. Dual four-barrel carbs are under the hood, and this luxurious car comes with air conditioning and power everything (brakes, steering, and windows). The Eldorado is a classic Cadillac, and a numbers-matching offering is unique. It was offered for sale earlier at the Auburn Auction by Worldwide Auctioneers, but they couldn’t make a deal. Will Vicari hammer it sold?El Dorado Top Up

Let me know which car gets your motor running.

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Photos Courtesy of Vicari Auctions

EV6 GT from Kia Packs an Electrifying Punch

The EV6 GT from Kia America, a 576 horsepower all-electric crossover,  was revealed at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering. The presence of the EV6 GT alongside supercars from around the world signified that their electric beast was ready to step up with the “big boys”. Monterrey, California hosts a variety of auctions and classic car events in August every year.

The EV6 GT is the most powerful Kia production vehicle and highlighted what the EV6 is capable of. 2023-EV6-GT-rear

The EV6 GT offers a dual-motor power train that sends AWD power to all four wheels.  The 77.4-kWh battery pack powers a punch to a front-mounted 160kW motor, combined with the rear-mounted 270kW motor. That translates to a combined power output of 430 kW (576 hp) and 546 lb.-ft. of torque.2023-EV6-GT-hero

Street performance from an electric KIA EV6 GT

The EV6 GT accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and the top speed is listed at 161 mph.

The EV6 GT steps up the performance of the EV6 with a sports suspension and electronically controlled dampers. It also comes with an electronic Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD) when cornering, by directing torque to the wheels with the most grip. Larger ventilated front (15-inch) and rear (14.2) disc brakes are standard.2023-EV6-GT-interior

With the push of a button on the steering wheel, GT Drive Mode optimizes the performance of the EV6 GT’s motors, braking, steering, suspension, e-LSD, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems into their most dynamic settings. The Kia EV6 GT offers seven driving modes. Drivers can also create custom-tailored settings to suit individual driving preferences using the included “My Drive” Mode.2023-EV6-GT-detail

Electrical specs for the EV6 GT

The EV6 GT features an all-electric range of 206 miles, coupled with 800V fast charging capabilities, which enables drivers to replenish 70 percent of battery capacity in under 18 minutes at 350-kW chargers. Or the owner could use slower chargers from 50 kW to 350kW.  It allows for “Vehicle to Load” functions to power your electrical needs off the grid, powering 1900 watts if necessary.  It also features twenty standard ADAS safety features.

The KIA EV6 GT will grace the showroom floors at the end of this year but don’t wait. They will fly off the dealerships fast.

Would you like one?

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Ultimate Overland Vehicle 2022 Revealed

Overland Expo revealed the Ultimate Overland Vehicle 2022 at Overland Expo West held in Flagstaff, Arizona this weekend. This vehicle displays Overland Expo’s unique vision of the ultimate overland vehicle.

Built on the all-new  2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X, the Ultimate Overland Vehicle 2022 utilized parts and components from more than twenty Overland Expo exhibitors and was assembled by MULE Expedition Outfitters.Ultimate-Overland-Vehicle-2022-06

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X comes with a 6.2.-liter V8 engine and a four-wheel drive system with front and rear electronically locking differentials. The AT4X’s Multimatic DSSV spool-valve suspension dampers should make for a smooth ride even when off-road.

Ultimate Overland Vehicle 2022 Conversion

The pickup bed was replaced with a 6.4-foot tray and three-foot canopy from MITS Alloy North America. The MITS tray and canopy conversion reinforces the utility of the truck as an overlanding machine.Ultimate-Overland-Vehicle-2022-25

The canopy roof includes a solar panel to store energy in  two lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are used to maintain the Dometic 110 refrigerator.

Inside the canopy is a kitchen and shower. The vehicle comes with an onboard air system to inflate the tires and air springs as needed. There are plenty of auxiliary lights to see this vehicle from miles away.Ultimate-Overland-Vehicle-2022-13

2022 Use of the Ultimate Overland Vehicle 2022

The Ultimate Overland Vehicle 2022 will make hit all the Overland Expo shows this year along with some scenic trails, before being auctioned off on Bring a Trailer with 100% of the proceeds going to the Overland Expo Foundation.  Nice to see the proceeds go to a great outdoors need.Ultimate-Overland-Vehicle-2022-01

We love 4X4’s but this beast from Overland Expo raises the bar.

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Make-A-Wish for More Lingenfelter Horsepower

Lingenfelter Eliminator Spec Engine Raffle Benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Make A Wishdave-kindig-of-kindig-it-design

Ken Lingenfelter is more than crafting innovative engineering into winning performance. He likes to get involved with charity events. Ken Lingenfelter often opens up his private collection for charity events. Now he is helping children with critical illnesses make some life-changing wishes come true through the Make-A-Wish foundation.    

Through a raffle drawing, the proceeds will help children obtain their wishes.   Plus the winner of the raffle takes home a Lingenfelter Performance Engineering Eliminator Spec Engine valued at $30,000.  This engine was built to the same specifications used on the engine for the 1953 Kindig-It CF1 Roadster built by Dave Kindig at Kindig-It-Design.Kindig-It-Design-CF1-Roadster-Drawing

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering Eliminator Spec Engine

  • 650 Horsepower
  • Lingenfelter 427 LS Engine
  • Lingenfelter LS3 Ported Heads with LSX Springs
  • Borla 8-Stack Injection
  • Billet Specialties Tru Trac Front Drive
  • Forged & Balanced Rotating Assembly
  • Lingenfelter Roller Camshaft
  • Lingenfelter Certificate of Authenticity
  • Signed by Dave Kindig and Ken Lingenfelter

The Lingenfelter Performance Engineering’s Eliminator Spec Engine Program of custom-built engines are “ENGINEERED FOR THE TRACK, BRED FOR THE STREET.”   Lingenfelter-Make-A-Wish-Eliminator-Spec-Engine-Raffle

To add to the excitement, the winning raffle ticket will be randomly drawn by Dave Kindig, owner of Kindig-It-Design and the star of the hit TV show “Bitchin’ Rides” at the Lingenfelter 21st Annual Blue Suede Cruise on July 30th, 2022.

Be there or Be Square

 The winner does not need to be present to win, but all are welcome to join the fun and meet our celebrity guests, Dave Kindig and Kevin Schiele “KevDogg,” for three days of 1978 and older hot rods, customs, classics, muscle cars & trick trucks.  It is a great event for the entire family with a car show; fun runs, drag racing, manufacturers midway, great food, live music, fireworks, and a coloring contest for all ages judged by Dave Kindig and Kevin Schiele!  It all happens July 29th-31st,  2022 at the Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio. 

For details click below

Make-A-Wish Raffle Tickets

Event Info  

Event Tickets

Blue-Suede-Cruise-2022-Logo

 

 

 

Wayne’s World 1976 AMC Pacer at Barrett-Jackson

Wayne’s World’s AMC Pacer proves you can buy anything at the Arizona Auctions this week. Barrett Jackson is offering up TWO AMC Pacer’s but the clear crowd favorite is the movie car from Wayne’s World.Wayne's World 1976 Pacer

Wayne’s World 1976 Pacer

In Wayne’s World, Garth owned the Mirthmobile -a light blue 1976 Pacer. He drove the gang, including Wayne, around in the car for their adventures. Now a new owner can start his own adventures in the very same Pacer.Wayne's World 1976 Pacer

The Wayne’s World Pacer was sold six years ago by Barrett-Jackson, selling for $37,400. It was previously restored to the movie car’s original condition with camera supports and mismatched wheel covers. Who could forget (if they wanted to) the flame decals poking out from the front wheels? The car was re-painted and the shiny stuff re-chromed. The Pacer is powered by the original 258 CID 6-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. In the movie car, the speakers were not functional, with no amp in the Pacer. Now the sound system is functional, dude.Wayne's World 1976 Pacer

Wayne’s World

Wayne’s World debuted in 1992 and starred Mike Myers and Dana Carvey, along with the late Meat Loaf. It also featured Alice Cooper and Rob Lowe. It grossed over $180 million in worldwide box office sales.

AMC Pacer

As a comparison, the folks at Barrett-Jackson are also selling another 1976 AMC Pacer from the same seller, but red. For 1976 the Pacer was AMC’s best seller. Go figure. The PACER was also produced in Mexico where it was marketed as a luxury car. It was produced for only six years, although popular at first during the gas crisis, other automakers caught up for the need for smaller cars and the Pacer never regained its lead. Often called a “fishbowl” due to all its glass, it had relatively little cargo space if four passengers were in the car.1976 Pacer

Should be interesting to see what the difference in selling price will be for these two Pacers.

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Arizona Auction Week 2022

Arizona Auction Week is coming at ya. From January 22-30 the auction sites will be on fire as thousands of cars cross the auction blocks. Six auction houses will be hosting auctions here in Arizona with a variety of formats. Arizona Auction Week is coming out strong after COVID-19 restrictions in 2021, but there will be fewer cars offered for sale and the total will probably still be low, but the excitement will be high55-Mercedes

Arizona Auction Week

Arizona Auction Week has always been known for setting the bar for what auctions during the balance of the year might look like. This year will be no exception. From the auction scene, we see a few houses that aren’t going to host any event, most notably Russo-Steele. They opted to bow out this year.

Arizona Auction Week Houses

Of course, Barrett-Jackson will be holding court in Scottsdale with preview days and then full bore auctions with mostly no-reserve vehicles crossing the block. Saturday the 29th will of course be reserved for their high dollar offerings but there will be plenty of cars to check out all week for Barrett-Jackson. They are also holding their Builders Cup competition that week as well.

Gooding and Company is offering an on-site viewing of the cars but will be only having an online auction. They will be displaying their offerings at an airport hanger not far from Barrett-Jackson’s site at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona. That gives buyers to see things in person or with a representative and then bid away from the crowds.

Bonhams will be at the Westin Kierland lawn for their sale while in central Phoenix the RM-Sothebys will host their auction at the Biltmore Hotel. Both have select offerings for a shorter auction duration. Probably the highest offering will be a 1955 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing at RM-Sothebys. Sure Gullwings are already expensive but this is an aluminum alloy body made for racing. So we have even more exclusive and rarity rolling on this Mercedes. We figure it won’t sell unless it reaches an eight million bid and even that might not be enough to hammer the deal done.engine-55-mercedes

MAG auctions will continue a lower-priced auction on the far east side of the Phoenix valley. They originally were the Silver Auction until Mitch Silver sold off the opportunity to MAG.

Worldwide Auctioneers is having a one-day sale that is always an interesting event. It has an eclectic mix of vehicles and ranges from exotics to Packard’s.55-Mercedes-doors-open

All in, the Arizona Auction Week will be a huge extravaganza for classic car fans. Plenty of cars to marvel at and prices to ponder. See you there?

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Photos courtesy of RM Sothebys

Hula Girl Waltzes to a New Owner

This 1933 custom Ford roadster debuted at the 1952 Oakland Roadster Show. Named the “Hula Girl” it was built by Bill Montero Sr. and his son, Bill Jr., of San Jose, California, in the early 1950s. It shows what a customizer could do back in the ’50s when customization was all the rage. Who wouldn’t love this orange pearl paint job with the wind in your face?Hula Girl

Hula Girl Changes

After the 1952 show, the roadster was channeled, allowing the body to sit even lower as it appears today. To add to the chops of this roadster it was then converted to an alcohol-burning drag car and campaigned across Northern California and then parked. As presented it easily broke 100 MPH in the quarter-mile strips.Hula Girl

Hula Girl Build

It was restored in the late 1990s and eventually bought in 2006 by Craig Jackson of Barrett-Jackson Auctions. It is powered by a 1953 Ford flathead V8 with Ardun heads. A supercharger with three Stromberg carburetors complete the look. A manual transmission was utilized and the rear end is from a 1948 Ford. The stunning wire wheels came from a 1953 Buick Skylark.Hula Girl

Craig Jackson, the Chairman do the Barrett-Jackson Auction, stated he was selling it as he rarely got the chance to drive it and felt it should be driven. Jackson promulgates that people are only the “caretakers” of these cars and he always admired the “piece of eye candy”.Craig Jackson

Hula Girl Sells

The paint is an orange pearl and sizzled under the lights of the March 2021 Barrett-Jackson Auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. It sold for $126,500 (including buyer’s premium) and Hula Girl is now off to new adventures.

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Big Oly – Parnelli Jones and a Baja Bronco

There are Broncos, and then there are BRONCOS and then there is Big Oly. With Ford resurrecting the nameplate the first-generation Broncos have soared in collector interest. You can get a resto-mod Bronco 4X4 or buy a survivor. Now Mecum Auctions will offer you up a different version – Parnelli Jones’ Baja 500 racer – Big OlyBig Oly Bronco

At this week’s Mecum Auction held in Glendale, AZ Dana Mecum unveiled Parnelli Jones’ Big Oly and announced it along with other items from Jones will be sold at his Spring Classic in Indiana. It was covered up before the “unveiling” and then enclosed in Mecum’s glass cage but we were able to get a close look before it was glassed up.

Big Oly Build

This might not be the normal Bronco and is essentially a Bronco in name only. A custom chrome-moly tube-frame chassis, aluminum inner panels, fiberglass body, a Ford 351 Windsor engine, four-wheel disc brakes, a Trans-Am-spec full-floating rear axle, plus a modified Twin I-Beam front suspension were used in this Baja cruiser.Big Oly Bronco

The dirt racer was sponsored by the Olympia Brewing Company; hence the name Big Oly.

Big Oly Race Outcomes

The first year out in the Mexican 1000 it failed to finish but won the 1972 Mexican 1000 and both the Baja 500 and Mint 400 in 1973, before being leaving the circuit in 1975.Big Oly Bronco

Jones kept the desert driver and never parted with it. But now it will be auctioned at the upcoming Mecum Auction. But since it is a Bronco in name only, will it draw the interest of the bidders? Let us know your thought and we will see what the outcome is in May

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High Street Cars and Coffee – Phoenix , AZ

Plenty of places offer a Cars and Coffee format in the Phoenix, AZ region.  Show up in a vacant parking lot, check out some cars that you aren’t likely to see on too many roads, sip some lukewarm coffee and head back out with most of the day still available to you. You could even watch the departing cars and hope to see a dimwit crash his new car when he punches it on the drive out. See how it is done at High Street for March 2021.Boss 302

Like I say there are plenty of places to check out the cars – until COVID-19 struck. Crowds and social distancing don’t mix.  Some meets have had trouble getting city permits or landowner’s permission. But as things loosen up, the shows go on.

High Street Cars and Coffee

Highline Auto magazine has sponsored a show for a while, most recently at the Scottsdale Fashion Center, but for March 2021 they moved to the High Street complex.  This setup involves a long tree-lined boulevard with plenty of street-side parking for the show cars.  Some adjacent restaurants are open for business as well. Exotic

This month’s show had a nice collection of cars, some music from a DJ, some free Bang energy drinks and a vendor was selling donuts too. Nice vibe but even with security in the area, probably less than 50% were wearing masks.Camaro

Cars at High Street Cars and Coffee

Cars varied from a Koenissegg to Corvettes, McLarens to Porsche’s. There were even some classics and some down-low land yachts. Not to mention an older Bronco along with a Bronco Sport for an interesting comparison.Bronco SportBronco

Not sure if this was a one-time location change or a permanent move.  Spectator parking filled up fast along the east side of the area and many folks had to park in a dirt lot, just FYI.

Do you have a favorite Cars and Coffee event?

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